Events in and around Blue Island




On April 28, 1911, Ordinance No. 734 was passed, granting the Sanitary District right-of-way for the channel through the corporate limits of the city. Above, workers begin digging what would become the Cal-Sag, demonstrating the spirit of creativity and industry that continues to make Blue Island special. 

Find images like the above and more when you become a member of Blue Island Historical Society, and gain access to their members-only digital archives. www.blueislandhistoricalsociety.com. 
Chamber
Golf Outing
Held at the Meadows Golf Club in Blue Island, this popular event is a great way to connect with valued clients and employees, as well as to network with fellow business owners and city officials. Enjoy lunch, golf, dinner, raffles and camaraderie.Sponsorship opportunities available. For more information, contact the Chamber at 708-388-1000.
When: Wednesday, June 6, 10:00 a.m.
Where: Meadows Golf Club, Blue Island

Drivin' The Dixie
The Dixie Highway - stretching from the Great Lakes to Miami - was one of the country's first efforts to improve automobile travel on a large scale. As it did in its heyday, the route links communities that are proud of their shared heritage, and we celebrate the history of this stretch of road with our annual road rally - Drivin' the Dixie, presented by the Blue Island Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
When: Saturday, June 16, 8:00 a.m.
Where: Blue Island to Momence, IL
Learn more and register online at  http://drivinthedixie.com/
 
Reading & recreation
Library 
April 28:
Children's Day with the Minions 2:00 p.m.
April 30: 
Creative Nonsense 6:00 p.m.
May 1:
Thriving Artist Series: How To Use Mailchimp 7:00 p.m.
May 2:
Stitching Space 5:00 p.m.
May 3:
Cut Bottle Planters 5:00 p.m.
Where: Blue Island Public Library, 2433 York St. 
708-388-1078 
www.blueislandlibrary.org 
 

Park District 

Early Bird Pool Passes
Just four days left to snag pool passes for the season at 25% savings - ends April 30.

Chicago Southland 
Dragon Boat Festival
Registration is now open for the 3rd Annual Chicago Southland Dragon Boat Festival. Learn more about paddling in and supporting this fun community festival at chicagodragonboats.com
When: Friday and Saturday, June 1-2, 2018
Where: MWRD Sepa Waterfall Station #3, along the Cal-Sag between Western Ave. and Chatham St. bridges.


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Blue Island
Open House
Moraine Valley Education Center at Blue Island invites you to tour their state-of-the-art nurse training facilities and labs, and learn about their latest program additions: Basic Nurse Assistant Training and Nursing
When: Thursday, April 26, 5:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Where: Moraine Valley Education Center at Blue Island, 12940 Western Ave.

Live: RRF
Singer/songwriter and host of WVLP 103.1's "Left of Center" swings by BIBCo's taproom for an evening of original tunes and as always, delicious beer made right here in Blue Island. 
When: Friday, April 27, 7:00 p.m.
Where: Blue Island Beer Company, 13357 Olde Western Ave.

D218 Arts Extravaganza 
Arts Extravaganza provides a stage for choral, instrumental, drama, speech, dance, culinary, and visual arts students. Proceeds support college scholarships and teacher grants, the primary missions of the D218 Foundation. 
When: Saturday, April 28, 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. $10 admission includes food. 
Where: Dwight D. Eisenhower High School, 12700 S. Sacramento 

Local Lowbrow Season Finale

Enjoy local art displays, live music, food, craft beer, and classic cars at the last Lowbrow show of the season.
When:  Saturday April 28, 5:00 p.m.
Where: Blue Island Beer Company, 13357 Olde Western Ave.

Live: Nobody's Business
Natural Law hosts musical guests Nobody's Business, and will be serving up tasty eats from their fresh seasonal menu until an hour before close. 
When: Saturday, April 28, 9:00 p.m.
Where: Natural Law, 13404 Olde Western Ave.

Live: Little Deuce Coupe
There's no better way to prep for summer than with Beach Boys tribute band Little Deuce Coupe warming up your Sunday afternoon. 
When: Sunday April 29, 2:00 p.m. 
Where: Blue Island Beer Company, 13357 Olde Western Ave.

Brunch at Maple Tree Inn
Maple Tree Inn's "N'awlins"-style Brunch returns this Sunday -  Bread Pudding Pain Perdu, Big Easy Benedict, Steak Frites, Beignets, Chicory Coffee... mouth watering yet? Make a reservation here. 
When: Sunday, April 29, 11:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Where:  Maple Tree Inn, 13301 Olde Western Ave.

Entertainment
Masters of Soul Motown Revue
Masters of Soul is a celebration of the legendary songs and performers that defined Motown and soul music. This 90-minute show features stylishly costumed, fully choreographed performances of both male and female groups backed by a live band.
When: Saturday April 28, 8:00 p.m.  
Where: Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago

Beer Can'd Festival
All the fun you can handle returns to Double Play Saloon with their annual Beer Can'd Festival, featuring local, handcrafted brews and old time favorites -- in cans, of course! Live punk and ska from 12 local bands. Full line-up and more information on Double Play's Facebook page
When: Saturday, May 19, 4:00 p.m.
Where: Double Play Saloon, 13011 Western Ave.

Art, history & literature
Book Fair
Council Oak Montessori School hosts a Spring Scholastic Book Fair, with open public shopping hours on Saturday May 5. Book lovers should use the Ann St. entrance to access the fair. 
When: Saturday, May 5, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 
Where: Council Oak Montessori School, 2521 Grove St.

George W. Maher "Walk & Talk"
Blue Island Historical Society partners with Pleasant Home Foundation and School District 130 to present a George W. Maher Walk & Talk. Attendees will enjoy presentations about George W. Maher and his work in Blue Island, including historic Sanders School. The Maher design was recently reacquired by District 130, who'll be revealing their plans for the space. Historian & Blue Islander Ken Jellema will be sharing details of the school's namesake, Benjamin Sanders, and the contributions he and his pioneer family made to Blue Island. Event includes transportation to and a tour of Sanders School. Optional cocktail reception following at Blue Island Historical Society.
When: Sunday, May 20, 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. $20 | $30 includes reception
Where: Blue Island Historical Society, 13018 Maple Ave.

Community
Community Cafe
Join your friends and neighbors at the Albee House for a morning of coffee, tea, and delicious pastries by Geena Doherty's Dessert First! Sold dine-in or to-go, and 15% of your purchase helps fund educational and community programming at BIHS. Following Community Cafe, Historical Society members are invited to attend the organization's annual meeting at 1:00 p.m. 
When: Sunday, May 6, 9:00 a.m - 12:00 p.m.
Where: Blue Island Historical Society Albee House, 13018 S. Maple Ave.

Flower & Plant Sale
Grace United Methodist Church presents their annual flower and plant sale, including  hanging baskets, annual flats, perennials, herbs, tomato plants and much more! A representative from Ted's Greenhouse will be available to answer your gardening questions.
When: Saturday, May 12, 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Where: Grace United Methodist Church, 12739 Maple Ave.

Chicago River Day
Come out and show your Blue Island pride by participating in Chicago River Day along the mighty Cal Sag! Volunteers are needed to collect garbage and clear brush/overgrowth to clean our our waterway and improve accessibility - providing incredible views of our bridges and the river. Please wear closed-toe shoes and work clothes that you don't mind getting dirty. All volunteers receive a Chicago River Day T-shirt as a special thank you gift!
When: Saturday, May 12, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Where:  To participate at the Waterfall Park (intersection of Chatham St. & Fulton St.), please register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chicago-river-day-2018-sepa-station-3-tickets-44309645342

To participate at the Ann Street site (intersection of Ann St. & James St.), please register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chicago-river-day-2018-ann-street-tickets-44309549054

BIOS Farm Plant Sale
BIOS Farm returns to Rock Island Public House for their annual spring plant sale. This year they're joined by the Dohertys from Dessert First! who will be slinging homemade sausages that pair perfectly with the RIPH's craft beer and drink selections. Family-friendly fun for everyone.
When:  Saturday, May 19, 12:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Where:  Rock Island Public House, 13328 Olde Western Ave.